Police Launch ‘Operation Bluestar’ to Evict Outsiders from Utkal University Hostels
Crackdown follows repeated complaints of law and order issues, late-night disturbances
Bhubaneswar : Commissionerate Police today launched a massive eviction drive, codenamed *Operation Bluestar*, to remove non-students from Utkal University’s Vani Vihar campus in Bhubaneswar. The operation began around 10.30 am at Gents Hostels 1, 2, 3 and 5 after the September 6th eviction deadline was ignored.
Strong Police Deployment
Three platoons of police, led by five ACPs, four IICs, and 13 SIs, were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. Zone 5 ACP Biswaranjan Senapati acted as Executive Magistrate during the operation. The PG Council also suspended classes till 1.30 pm as a precaution.
Safety and Emergency Arrangements
To address possible emergencies, Capital Hospital provided an ambulance with first-aid facilities, while the Fire Department deployed a unit with portable extinguishers. PCR vans patrolled the campus to monitor the situation and assist officials.
Temporary Detention Center Setup
Police announced that a temporary detention center would operate at RO, Bhubaneswar. Any arrested individuals would be shifted there, with officers from Saheed Nagar PS tasked with maintaining records and security.
The eviction follows Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj’s directive to bar outsiders from the campus after repeated unrest at hostels, particularly Gopabandhu Hostel. Authorities cited unauthorized entry, late-night disturbances, and frequent altercations that threatened academic focus and hostel security.
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